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breaking news

Woman recounts rescue from Somali pirates by Navy SEALs

Jessica Buchanan, who spent 93 days as a hostage of Somali land pirates in 2011-’12, will speak about her rescue by Navy SEALs at Mar-a-Lago on Monday.

Our story on Buchanan will run in Saturday’s Accent section and online at mypalmbeachpost.com. Here’s a sneak preview:

Buchanan’s kidnappers drove her into what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. Stepping out of the car at gunpoint was the worst moment of what would become 93 days of captivity at the hands of Somali land pirates seeking $45 million in ransom.

“Just that moment where I was forced to get out of the vehicle and into the desert will still be one of the most ridiculously scary moments of my life,” she says. “The weight of not knowing what was on the other side of that moment was so terrifying. It could have been anything.

“You kind of always wonder, ‘What would my last thoughts be like?’ And in those moments, I saw my husband’s face and saw myself saying goodbye to my father and brother and sister, and asking God for help.

“I think I wanted to be dignified if this was the end. I wanted to hold onto some semblance of dignity and self-respect.”